English Professional Skills, B2 (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The lessons are mainly implemented as contact teaching on campus during weeks 36 - 44, on Mondays
The course has two online meetings for the whole group, which are held on Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent to the approved participants before the start of the course.
The first lesson is held in Zoom, where the key issues of the course are reviewed, and the student group is divided into two groups: A and B, after which a group-specific schedule is followed.
In addition to the scheduled lessons, separate guidance times can be arranged if necessary.
75% attendance on the course (no extra assignments will be provided).
The lessons are interactive and thus support language learning and are an important part of the learning process.

Course topics:

- Personal language level, development needs and learning objectives
- Current education and future working life
- Field-specific terminology
- Field-specific topics, such as social services, client communication and guidance
- Presenting in English
- Reading and summarising material in English

Objective

The aim of the course is to activate and develop the students’ field-relevant English language and communication skills. The students will gain professional skills in various spoken and written communicative situations encountered in working life and society. In addition, they will learn to utilize tools and techniques to further develop their skills in authentic, field-specific contexts. More specifically, students will focus on developing their language and communication skills in.
Upon completing the course, the students should have acquired skills to communicate at level B2 according to European Framework of Reference for Languages, which states that at B2-level students should be able to produce clear, coherent and well-structured texts, present detailed descriptions related to one’s field of interest, express and exchange opinions using fluent language, follow complex arguments, and read longer articles and reports.

Content

- writing professional, field-specific texts
- presenting and discussing field-specific topics in a professional manner
- reading field-specific texts and utilizing the information in professional contexts
- learning and using key terminology of their field
- becoming professional, autonomous language users in working life

Materials

The learning material provided by the teacher and online material that supports language learning and working life skills. The learning material is available in itslearning.

No material costs for the student.

Teaching methods

Contact teaching, online assignments, independent work, pair/group work, source-critical information retrieval, self-assessment and reflection

Exam schedules

There is no final exam. The course is based on task-specific assessment. If necessary, the written skills test can be retaken once, the date will be specified.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Pedagogical approaches include working life orientation, digital learning, team learning, reflection and assessment of one's own English language skills and development needs. The course supports the development of internationality and professional competence in communication and interaction situations in working life (Arene's competencies).

Sustainable development is included in the themes of the course's learning materials.

Completion alternatives

There are no optional completion methods.

Student workload

- Lessons and homework in total 26h
- Preparation and presentation of an oral presentation 15 h
- Written skills test and preparation for it 15h
- Learning assignments in itslearning 25 h

Workload 3 credits = approx. 81 hours of student work

Evaluation methods and criteria

The course is assessed on a scale of 0-5, based on an assignment-based assessment. The following learning assignments will be completed, which will be assessed as outlined below.

Evaluated: 0-5
- Presentation of a field-specific topic in groups, individual assessment
- Client guidance (recording)
- A written skills test to be taken on campus. One retake, the date will be specified.

Evaluated: Pass/Fail
- Your own language profile and personal learning goals
- Professional vocabulary assignment in groups
- A learning report on the learning of field-specific material orally and in writing

Active participation has a positive effect on course evaluation. Submitting assignments late may lower your grade. In addition, there are a few homework assignments during the course that support learning, which are not separately assessed.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to understand learning materials and instructions and, to a limited extent, in certain learning activities. More detailed instructions are provided in the assignments. Assessed assignments requiring a student's own spoken and written production cannot be completed with artificial intelligence.

Feedback and assessment: Teacher, peer feedback, self-assessment. All tasks must be completed.

Failed (0)

The student does not pass the course or has not completed the course tasks according to the instructions (e.g., use of artificial intelligence against the instructions). Course tasks are unreturned, or the course performance is incomplete.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Handling different topics in English in various professional situations is relatively narrow and one-sided. The produced text responds to the task inadequately and does not have a logical flow to it. The text contains some difficult-to-understand points. The language is satisfactory. Language use contains some structures and basic vocabulary; however, there are errors in their use. The student can speak moderately about the central topics of their field. The speech is not always easy to follow. There may be significant deficiencies in coherence and interaction. The language is quite simple and hesitant. However, the student can convey the message, even though errors in structure and pronunciation sometimes hinder understanding. There may be deficiencies in language positivity and course activity. The course tasks have been completed.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Handling the topic in English is versatile and, for the most part, corresponds to the given task in various professional situations. The language is structurally clear and logical. Oral and written output is fluent and clear. Structures and professional vocabulary are well-mastered. Some errors may occur. The student understands the English-language material of their field. Speech is logical and consistent. Interaction and reaction are mostly fluent and clear. The handling of the topic corresponds to the task and is suitable for different professional situations. The text proceeds moderately logically. Style errors may occur. Errors may occur in the most demanding structures and expressions. The student can speak well about various topics in their own field. The speech is easy to follow. The language is fluent, although some breaks and pronunciation errors may occur. In general, a language-positive attitude and active participation. There are no major deficiencies in the course performance, and the tasks are done well.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Handling the topic in English is versatile and skilled, fully responding to the task in various professional situations. The text is structurally very clear and logical. Transitions are cohesively smooth. The student can convey the message naturally with an appropriate style. The language is very fluent and versatile. Structures are varied, and the professional vocabulary is extensive. Occasional errors may occur in the most demanding structures and expressions. The student can speak excellently about various topics in their own field. Speech is purposeful, very consistent, on-point, and logical. Transitions from one topic to another are very smooth. Interaction is very skilled, and non-verbal communication effectively supports speech. Language (speech, pronunciation, and intonation) is fluent, clear, precise, and normally paced. The course performance shows activity and language positivity, and the tasks have been performed excellently.

Further information

Itslearning is the primary messaging channel for course-specific communication, in addition to email and, if necessary, additional guidance times.